Didn’t we all have a big set of friends prior to having children? But then tensions arose, one by one, as each knew better than we did on how to overcome our children’s behavioral challenges. They all had their own opinions and answers:
They meant well. But I found it helpful and more life-giving to shift my support base to include other parents of children with hidden disabilities rather than desperately trying to help my friends and family see the big picture. |
Find Your Virtual Tribe
Eventually you will become an effective advocate for the challenges your child faces. But, first you must find your tribe.
Your tribe are those who have gone before you and triumphed, while maintaining a positive and hopeful outlook.
Seek those parents and supporting voices who can speak into your life who share your values, and appreciate your children as they are, their non-typical beautiful selves.
It's not always easy to find those voices in our neighborhoods or even in our churches.
We live in an electronically connected world today, giving us great advantages over parents facing the same challenges twenty years ago. Hashtags and Google searches can heart connect us with others who walk the same path.
Don’t discount the power of online resources and relationships!
An online community that understands the challenges faced by children who are not neuro-typical can stand aligned with you as you rejoice in your child’s abilities while acknowledging the unique challenges you are facing.